Tensile sculpture “flies” over an amphitheater
[G.H. Bruce LLC] Tucson, Ariz., U.S.A.
“Where Flying Fishes Play” is a tensile sculpture created to shade a corporate amphitheater in Phoenix, Ariz. The project, managed by G.H. Bruce LLC, features four HDPE canopies of silver Comtex® from Polyfab™ USA. Three layers of 1½-inch Sunbrella® webbing provide the perimeter structure of each canopy. The amphitheater was designed for meetings, classroom activities and special events. The client wanted open views to the skies and magnificent sunsets in an intimate outdoor environment. The design was driven also by the desire to eliminate support structure. A concept unique to this project was for the canopies to “fly” on the underside of the bow trusses, so the fabric would be close to those under it, without feeling oppressive. As the canopies move gently in the wind, the shadow patterns become an integral part of the experience.
